Q0031
A project can connect only if a suitable connection point can safely accept its proposed export under both normal and contingency conditions—and if the necessary connection assets, land, approvals and commercial arrangements are deliverable. Proximity to a substation helps, but does not prove that capacity is available: the decisive evidence is a project-specific Power System Study (PSS) and approval from the relevant network and system operators.
Grid connection is frequently the constraint that determines whether a technically sound power project can be financed and built. An unsuitable connection point can reduce the permitted project size, introduce costly reinforcement works or make the development timetable unviable.
The main determinants are:
1. Capacity of the local network. Lines, cables, transformers and busbars must have enough capacity for the proposed injection without unacceptable overloading under normal operation or credible equipment outages.
2. Existing and committed use of the network. Available capacity depends on current demand, existing generators and projects whose capacity has already been approved or reserved. A connection that appears feasible today may cease to be available as other projects advance.
3. Voltage and power quality. The project must not cause unacceptable voltage rise, fluctuations, harmonics, flicker or other power-quality problems.
4. Fault level and protection. New generation changes short-circuit currents and power flows. Switchgear ratings, protection settings, anti-islanding systems and protection coordination must remain adequate.
5. System stability and security. Larger projects may be assessed for frequency response, voltage control, reactive power, inverter behaviour, transient stability and performance during grid faults.
6. Connection voltage and project size. Under Malaysia’s 2024 LSS guideline, distribution-connected LSS projects may connect at 415 V, 11 kV or 33 kV, while transmission-connected LSS projects generally connect at 132 kV or above. For LSS, a single distribution connection is capped at 30 MWac; transmission-connected projects are generally at least 30 MWac unless otherwise approved.
7. Physical feasibility. An existing substation must have room for the required bay, busbar extension, protection panels, metering and communications equipment. Cable or overhead-line routes require workable rights of way and land access.
8. Operational constraints. A project may be technically connectable only with export limits, active-power controls, curtailment, reactive-power capability or other operating conditions.
9. Programme and regulatory eligibility. A technically feasible connection does not itself provide the right to construct or sell electricity. The project still needs the applicable programme award, generation licence, environmental and planning approvals, land rights and contractual arrangements.
10. Cost and schedule. Connection may be technically possible but commercially impractical because it requires a new substation, long interconnector, major upstream reinforcement or outages that cannot be scheduled in time.
For Peninsular Malaysia, the PSS examines matters including penetration limits, power flow, short-circuit conditions, redundancy, operational constraints and the interconnection method. Malaysia’s LSS guideline states explicitly that transmission injection capacity is determined through the PSS and the final advice or decision of the Grid Owner and System Operator. Energy Commission: LSS Connection Guideline
TNB’s public Distributed Generation Hosting Capacity Map can help developers identify potentially suitable 11 kV and 33 kV nodes. It is a preliminary screening tool—not a connection approval or substitute for a project-specific study. TNB: Distributed Energy Resources Integration
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